Textile Museum of Canada

The Textile Museum of Canada is a small but richly curated museum in the heart of downtown Toronto that tells global cultural stories through fabric, fibre, and thread. With a collection of over 13,000 textiles from more than 200 regions worldwide, spanning centuries of human artistry, it offers a unique perspective on culture and creativity that few other museums can match.

Located at 55 Centre Avenue — steps from City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square, and the Eaton Centre — the museum occupies a compact space that works well for families. The galleries are intimate enough that kids do not experience museum fatigue, and the visual richness of the textiles on display keeps eyes engaged. Brilliantly coloured weavings from Guatemala, delicate silk embroidery from China, bold bark cloth from the Pacific Islands, and contemporary Canadian fibre art installations fill the space with pattern, colour, and texture.

What makes the Textile Museum particularly engaging for children is the tactile nature of the subject. Textiles are things kids touch and wear every day, so the museum builds on familiar experience and expands it. Periodic hands-on workshops let kids try techniques like weaving, natural dyeing, or stitching, connecting them physically to the cultural practices on display.

These programs run throughout the year — check the museum website for the current schedule.

The rotating exhibition program brings contemporary fibre artists into dialogue with the historical collection. These shows often feature large-scale installations, interactive elements, and artists who use fabric and thread in unexpected ways — as sculpture, as social commentary, as immersive environment. For older kids and teens interested in fashion, design, or sustainability, these contemporary exhibitions can be particularly engaging.

The museum celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 with a renovation that refreshed the visitor experience. Confirm current hours on the website before visiting, as the schedule may have changed during the transition.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students, and free for children under 12. Wednesday evenings from 5-6PM offer pay-what-you-can admission. The museum is free for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis visitors, and participates in the Toronto Public Library Museum + Arts Pass program for free entry with a library card.

The downtown location makes it easy to combine with other nearby family attractions. Nathan Phillips Square and the TORONTO sign are a 5-minute walk. The Art Gallery of Ontario is a 10-minute walk west. Chinatown and Kensington Market are both within a 10-minute walk. The Eaton Centre for shopping and food is a 5-minute walk east.